Tuesday

About the Book

The action begins even before the title page as three vertical panels show surprised frogs suddenly floating upward on lily pads. It’s “Tuesday Evening, Around Eight” and soon the sky is filled with delighted frogs twisting and turning in the air, then descending into an area of houses. Some glide down a chimney and settle in to watch television–one using the remote with his tongue–as an old woman dozes unaware. But when the sun comes up, the frogs find their flying abruptly ended. Two more humorous touches wrap up this nearly wordless, absolutely captivating picture book.

Why this Book?

What a great book. Children love to study the frogs’ expressions and actions in the mainly blue and green watercolor illustrations. Future artists will also absorb a lesson in expert pacing. Three-time Caldecott winner Wiesner deftly uses panels to move the action forward and double-page spreads, sometimes with inset panels, to highlight the frogs’ emotions: amazement, amusement, curiosity, and finally disgruntlement at the adventure’s end. A time-tested favorite. Oh, the joy!